Reigning in Life!

Yesterday I was reflecting on Paul's letter to the Romans.  This is such a great letter, but one that you need to read through.  Paul builds a very logical case for salvation through faith, but it takes time and when you first start reading it all seems doom and gloom.  Here are the verses I am considering this morning - Romans 5:12-14,17-19 NIV:

[12] "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned--- [13] To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone's account where there is no law. [14] Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come."

[17] "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

[18] Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. [19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous."

These passages illustrate the Gospel in a very short form.  We were all under the reign of death and sin, until Christ came, and through His one righteous act and the gift of grace have been invited into life.  His righteousness has been extended to all people, which provides justification and life.

What I wanted to look at specifically this morning is verse seventeen, where Paul makes an interesting statement.  He says, " how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!"  It seems that Paul is assuming that we understand this to be a rhetorical question.  The answer should be obvious, that there is a great opportunity to REIGN IN LIFE through Jesus.  The Greek word translated reign is the word Basileuo its definition follows:

1) to be king, to exercise kingly power, to reign
   a) of the governor of a province
   b) of the rule of the Messiah
   c) of the reign of Christians in the millennium
2) metaph. to exercise the highest influence, to control

Paul is saying that we, who have received God's abundant provision of grace and the gift of His righteousness will reign in this life, being able to exercise kingly power in this life (zoe).  Kingly power relates to His authority and His ability to rule.  Jesus gave the disciples His authority, and extended it us all as His co-heirs.

Here are some of the verses referring to receiving power and authority:

Matthew 10:1 NIV: "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."

Luke 9:1-2 NIV: "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, [2] and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.:"

Luke 10:17-19 NIV:

[17] "The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

[18] "He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. [19] I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV:

[18] "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:7-8 NIV:

[7] He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”


- and we see the result of the power and authority being demonstrated through the apostles in the following verses:

Acts 2:42-43,46-47 NIV:

[42] "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles."

[46] "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

I believe these are examples of what Paul refers to as reigning in this life.  We are to represent the King, demonstrate the reality of His rule over all things, while we live here on earth, and of course once we are in Heaven.  I believe this is exactly what Jesus told us to pray for every day when teaching the disciples to pray - Matthew 6:9-10 NIV:

[9] “This, then, is how you should pray: “ 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10] your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

The prayer is simply asking that God's reign, His will, be extended on earth as it already is in heaven!

So today I am encouraged that I am invited to reign with Him here on earth, in this life!  It should not be unusual, but the normal life I lead!  Lord, help me grasp Your invitation, open my life to Your empowerment, and learn to walk as Your representative here on earth, showing the world that You are the King, and Your power and authority are real!

Amen!